ISLAMABAD: A proposal to enforce a nationwide smart lockdown has been shelved after strong opposition from provincial governments during a high-level meeting chaired by President Asif Ali Zardari, sources revealed on Tuesday.
According to insiders, the federal leadership discussed imposing targeted restrictions across the country, but provinces resisted the idea, refusing to support a blanket smart lockdown at the national level.
The meeting also focused on tackling the economic strain caused by surging global oil prices amid the ongoing Middle East crisis. Authorities are facing mounting pressure to balance economic stability with public relief.
Participants agreed to intensify austerity measures and ensure strict implementation of energy and fuel-saving initiatives.
The federal government further called on provinces to share responsibility in funding the Rs254 billion relief package, emphasizing the need for a unified national response to the growing economic challenges.
